Gaming machine and a method of lighting the same

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a glass panel, a player interaction device disposed in the cabinet for determining a winning outcome of the game, and a light emitting device, such as, EL wire, sheet, and the like, extends about the periphery of the glass panel and/or behind the glass panel. A plurality of reels are disposed inside the cabinet and are rotatable about an axis with each reel having an outer surface and a reel strip mounted thereto and a plurality of symbols defined on the reel strip and exposed to the glass panel. At least one pay line is spaced from each of the reels. The pay line is illuminated independent from and in alternating mode with the symbols in response to the winning outcome of the game.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of application Ser. No. 60/623,045filed on Oct. 28, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to gaming machines, and more particularlyto a configuration of a gaming machine having illumination componentsdisposed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The goal of the gaming industry is to increase interest of players andexcitement of each game to keep the players playing longer, therebygenerating more revenue for game operators, such as casinos. For thispurpose, many gaming machines utilize light to enhance their displaysand to attract the attention of the players. Many different kinds ofilluminating devices have been developed for the gaming machines tofurther attract the player's interest.

The modern gaming industry is replete with different gaming machines,which allows players an opportunity to win money by placing a certainamount of money at risk. Typically, manufactures of the aforementionedgaming machines desire these machines to be attractive, amusing, andcomfortable for the players. Various configurations of the gamingmachines are currently known in the gaming industry and taught by U.S.Pat. No. 6,027,115 to Griswold et al.; and United States PatentApplication Publication Nos. 2002/0173354 to Winans et al.; 2003/0130042to Ollins; 2003/0195045 to Kaminkow et al.; 2004/0132522 to Seelig etal.; and 2004/0166927 to Okada.

The United States Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0195045 toKaminkow et al., for example, teaches a gaming machine having a housing,which carries a screen. Internal activating lights, such as ultravioletlights are disposed inside the housing to emit ultraviolet radiation.The ultraviolet lights of the gaming machine taught by the United StatesPatent Application Publication No. 2003/0195045 to Kaminkow et al. arenot visible from the distance in order to attract attention of theplayer by distinguishing the game machine from other game machineslocated in the same area or the same row.

The United States Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0166927 toOkada, on the other hand, teaches a gaming machine having a cabinetdefining an upper panel and a lower panel and a display device disposedtherebetween. The display device includes a liquid crystal displaydevice and backlights for backlighting the liquid crystal displaydevice. The backlights are controlled so as to light when electric poweris supplied and to help a player to identify the images displayed on theliquid crystal display device visually and clearly. A pair ofilluminating lamps are attached to the upper decoration panel and thelower decoration panel. The illuminating lamps illuminate the symbolsdrawn on multiple reels both directly and indirectly via reflectionplates connected to the decoration panel and the lower decoration panel.Similar to the United States Patent Application Publication No.2003/0195045 to Kaminkow et al., the liquid crystal backlights and theilluminating lamps are not visible from the distance to attractattention of the player by distinguishing the game machine from othergame machines located in the same area or the same row.

One of the problems not addressed by the aforementioned prior artreferences, is a long felt need that exists for an efficient andeffective lighting system for reel-type gaming devices and cabinets ofthis gaming devices to attract attention of the players.

Accordingly, it is desirable to increase the entertainment and theexcitement of the playing of the gaming machines by adding a largevariety of attractions and attention getting devices to the respectivemachines.

The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems addressedabove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

In one aspect of the present invention a cabinet for a gaming machinehaving a player interaction device allowing a player to make a wager onan outcome of the game, includes a housing and a glass panel disposed inthe housing. A chrome bracket is connected to the front of the housingand extends peripherally about the glass panel. The light emittingdevice is sandwiched between and extends along the periphery of thechrome bracket and the glass panel for illuminating the exterior of theglass panel and providing a fluid resistant environment inside thehousing. A light emitting device is defined by an electroluminescentwire (the EL) having a circular head and a tail portion extending fromthe circular head and a core member disposed in and extending throughthe circular head.

In another aspect of the present invention a gaming machine includes acabinet defined by a back wall and a front wall defining a display panelor glass and a side wall interconnecting the front wall and the backwall. A chrome bracket is connected to the front wall and extendsperipherally about the glass. The light emitting device is sandwichedbetween and extends along the periphery of the chrome bracket and theglass for illuminating the exterior of the glass and providing a fluidresistant environment inside the cabinet. A light emitting device isdefined by an electroluminescent wire (the EL) having a circular headand a tail portion extending from the circular head and a core memberdisposed in and extending through the circular head.

In still another aspect of the present invention a cabinet for a gamingmachine includes a player interaction device for allowing a player tomake a wager on an outcome of the game. A controller having a circuit isdisposed in the cabinet. The cabinet includes a glass panel disposedtherein. A plurality of reels are disposed inside the cabinet. The reelsare rotatable about an axis. Each of the reels has an inner surface andan outer surface. A reel strip is mounted to the outer surface andincludes a plurality of symbols exposed to the glass panel. At least onelight element is disposed behind the reel strip for illuminating thesymbols. A pay line, defined by an electroluminescent member, is spacedfrom and extends along each of the reels. The pay line is connected tothe circuit of the controller. The pay line and the symbols on the reelsare illuminated in unison in response to the winning outcome of thegame. Alternatively, the pay line and the symbols on the reels areilluminated independent from and alternate back and forth between oneand the other in response to the winning outcome of the game.

Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is to provide agaming machine that increases the entertainment and the excitement ofthe game, as the game is played, by adding a large variety ofattractions and attention getting devices, such as the EL incorporatedin the gaming machine for emitting a sudden glow of fluorescence oriridescence to attract attention of the players and to increase a visualappeal of the gaming machine in response to the winning outcome of thegame by illuminating the reels, the cabinet, and other components of thegaming machine.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a gamingmachine with an improved energy-saving alternative as compared to theconventional hot bulbs.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an agaming cabinet with an improved design wherein the use of the ELimproves functionality of the gaming machine by providing a“rubberized”, i.e. resilient cushion between the glass and the chromebrackets which holds the glass in place more securely and adds to thewater resistant qualities of the gaming machine.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide the ELaround the periphery of the gaming machine for illuminating the same andfor saving space inside the gaming machine for additional operationalcomponents as compared to the conventional large fluorescent-bulb usedin the prior art.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide the ELand other electroluminescent devices on the interior and the exterior ofthe gaming machine and the glass panels of the gaming machine to evenlyilluminate the same thereby reducing potential “hot spots”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inventive gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a glass panel disposed in a housingof the gaming machine with the glass panel engaged by a bracket and anelectroluminescent wire sandwiched between the exterior of the glasspanel and the bracket for illuminating the gaming machine from theexterior of the gaming machine and an electroluminescent sheet disposedon the interior of the glass panel for illuminating the gaming machinefrom the interior and for providing a backlight;

FIG. 3 is another cross sectional view of the glass panel, as shown inFIG. 2, disposed in the housing of the gaming machine without theelectroluminescent sheet disposed on the interior of the glass panel forilluminating the gaming machine and providing the backlight;

FIG. 4 is a perspective and partially cross sectional view of a pay lineand reels of the gaming machine illuminated relative to one another inalternating mode; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective and partially cross sectional view of the reelsand the pay line of the gaming machine operably connected to acontroller and a converter disposed in the gaming machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, an electronic gaming machine of thepresent invention, generally shown at 10. The gaming machine 10 isadaptable for playing a game and processing a currency, such as money,tokens, tickets, and the like. The gaming machine 10 has a cabinet or ahousing, generally indicated at 12, that includes a pair of side wallsor side panels 16, 18, a back panel 19, a bottom panel 20, defining aninterior surface 24. The side panels 16, 18, the back panel 19, thebottom panel 20 are exposed to an open front. A support base 26 ispositioned below the housing 12 to support the housing 12.

The housing 12 is separated into at least three sections. A top portionor crown, generally indicated at 30, is connected to the side walls 16,18, as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the top portion30 is pivoted away from the housing 12 vertically relative to the sidewalls 16, 18 between an opened position, as the top portion 30disengages from the side walls 16, 18, and a closed position, as the topportion 30 is oriented substantially co-planar with the side walls 16,18. The top portion 30 presents a display panel or glass 34, adaptablefor conveying information to the player. In one aspect of the presentinvention, a first electroluminescent sheet, generally indicated at 36,is attached to the internal side of the glass 34. In another aspect ofthe present invention, the top portion 30 includes a secondelectroluminescent sheet, generally indicated at 35 and connected to theouter side of the glass 34. In a third aspect of the present inventionboth electroluminescent sheets 35 and 36 are connected to the outer sideand the internal side of the glass 34. Both electroluminescent sheets 35and 36 may be pre-cut to match the shape of a pseudo-paytable 38 and isadhered to the glass 34 to backlight the pseudo-paytable 38 by adhesiveor the like. In one aspect of the present invention theelectroluminescent sheets 36 may extend along the entire periphery ofthe glass 34. In another aspect of the present invention theelectroluminescent sheets 36 may partially cover the glass 34. Theelectroluminescent sheet 38 like other electrominescent devices such aswires, stripes, and other shapes is an optical phenomenon and electricalphenomenon wherein the material emits light in response to an electriccurrent passed through it, or to a strong electric field.

The bright light of the electroluminescent devices, such as avelectroluminescent sheet (the EL sheet) 38 or an electroluminescent wire(the EL) 40, as discussed in great details further below, attractsattention of the players is the result of radiative recombination ofelectrons and holes in a material (usually a semiconductor). The excitedelectrons release their energy as photons—light. Prior to recombination,electrons and holes are separated either as a result of doping of thematerial to form a p-n junction, or through excitation by impact ofhigh-energy electrons accelerated by a strong electric field (as withthe phosphors in electroluminescent displays). The use of the EL sheet38, the EL 40, or other electroluninescent devices, such as the EL tape(not shown), the EL sheet 38 (not shown), and the like, attached to theexterior of the gaming cabinet 12, such as for example, between the backpanel 19 and the side walls 16 and 18 and about the support base 26, asillustrated in FIG. 1, serves several functions. First, it callsattention to the gaming cabinet 12, improves the visibility of thegaming machine 10 and highlight additional information displayed by thetop portion 34 such as, for example, the title of the gaming machine 10,the minimum cost to operate the gaming machine 10, the potential prizeor winnings that could be won by playing the gaming machine 10, or thelike.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 through 3, a display portion or door,generally indicated at 42, is positioned below the top portion 30. Thedisplay portion 42 is movable between an opened position, as the displayportion 42 disengages one of the side walls 16, and a close position, asthe display portion 42 is oriented substantially co-planar with the sidewalls 16, 18. A display device or glass panel, generally indicated at44, is disposed in the display portion 42 and includes an inner side 45and an outer side 47. The glass panel 44 is spaced from a display screen46 that can display text, graphics or a combination thereof. In oneaspect of the present invention and similar to the top portion 30, theglass panel 44 includes the first electroluminescent sheet 36 connectedto the internal side 45, as shown in FIG. 2. In another aspect of thepresent invention, the second electroluminescent sheet (not shown) isattached to the outer side 47 of the glass panel 44 (not shown). In athird aspect of the present invention (not shown) bothelectroluminescent sheets may be attached to the inner 45 and outer 47sides of the glass panel 44. Both electroluminescent sheets are adheredto the glass panel 44 by adhesive or the like to backlight the same toattract attention of the players. In one aspect of the present inventionthe electroluminescent sheets 36 may extend along the entire peripheryof the glass panel 44. In another aspect of the present invention theelectroluminescent sheets 36 may partially cover the glass panel 44. Thedisplay screen 46 includes a plurality of openings for exposing reels 48therethrough to be viewed by the player. The reels 48 will be discussedas the description of this invention proceeds. The glass panel 44 mayinclude a circular configuration or rectangular configuration. A bracket50 formed from a chrome or other material, is connected to and extendsperipherally about the glass panel 44. Alternatively the bracket 50 maybe formed in a shape of a cover encapsulating the entire display portion42 with at least two openings with the glass panel 44 extending to oneof the openings. The bracket 50 includes and is not limited to a coinacceptor 52, a credit card receiver 54, a ticket injector and receiver56, and the like, which in combination with the plurality of reels 48present a player interaction device or system, generally shown at 57 inFIG. 1, to allow the player to make a wager on an outcome of the gameplayed.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bracket 50 is further defined by lipportions 60 extending to an edge 62 and defining an inner surface,generally indicated at 64. The inner surface 64 has an L-shaped contouras viewed in a cross section. The EL 40 is sandwiched between andextends along the periphery of the bracket 50, as illustrated in FIG. 1,and the glass panel 44 for illuminating the glass panel 44 from theexterior of the gaming machine 10. In the illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention, the EL 40 has a circular head 66 and a tail portion68 extending from the circular head 66. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the head 66 may include any other non-configuration,such as, for example, a rectangular configuration (not shown). Thecircular head 66 is not intended to limit the present invention. A coremember 70 is disposed in and extends through the circular head 66. Asource of a power supply 72 is connected to the core member 70 and tothe EL sheet 36 by wires 74 connected to an adapter, such as, forexample, a Molex adapter (not shown), for passing an electric currenttherethrough for emitting light in response to the electrical current.Alternatively, a switch (not shown) is disposed inside the gamingcabinet 12 to allow the EL 40 to be operated independently of otherlight emitting devices (not shown). The tail portion 68 is abuttinglydisposed in the inner surface 64 with the circular head 66 extendingbeyond the edge 62. The EL 40 sandwiched between the glass panel 44 andthe bracket 50 provides a fluid resistant environment inside the gaminghousing 12 and forming a rubberized cushion between the glass panel 44and the bracket 50 which holds the glass panel 44 in place in a moresecure fashion and improves water resistant qualities of the gamingcabinet 12. The EL 40 may be disposed inside a polycarbonate transparenttubing (not shown) to keep the EL 40 secured and planar relative thebracket 50. At the joints in the tubing, a plastic wire clamp (notshown) is attached to the gaming cabinet 12 by drilling a hole hidden inthe gaming cabinet 12 and pop-riveting the clamps to the gaming cabinet12. Various other methods of attaching the EL 40 are used to connect theEL 40 to the gaming cabinet 12. These methods include adhesives,fasteners, clamps, and other mechanical devices and are not intended tolimit the present invention.

Alluding to the above, the reels 48 are disposed inside the gamingcabinet 12 and are rotatable about an axis A, as best shown in FIG. 5.Each of the reels 48 presents an inner surface 76 and an outer surface78 having a reel strip, generally indicated at 80, mounted to the outersurface 78. The reel strip 80 has a plurality of symbols 82 exposed tothe player and at least one lighting element 84 disposed behind the reelstrip 80 for illuminating the symbols 82. Alternatively, the reel strip80 is formed from the electroluminescent material that emits light inresponse to the electric current passed through it thereby attractingthe attention of the players.

As best shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of pay lines 90 is spaced from andextends along each of the reels 48. The pay lines 90 are connected to acontroller or a game computer 92 having a central processing unit (notshown). The game computer 92 is positioned within the housing 12 and iscommunicated with the plurality of reels 48 and the pay lines 90 forspinning the plurality of reels 48 and determining the outcome of thegame. The game computer 92 performs multiple player interactionfunctions, as known to those skilled in the computer art, which arenecessary for the gaming application. The game computer 92 also controlsthe text or graphics displayed on the display device 42. The pay line 90is defined by a light emitting device, such as for example anelectroluminescent wire 91. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat other light emitting devices, such as, for example, anelectroluminescent sheet, an electroluminescent strip, one or more lightemitting diodes, a fluorescent light bulb, an incandescent light bulb,and any other suitable light or lighting devices may be used as the payline 90 and are not intended to limit the present inventive concept.Each pay line 90 is positioned between the glass panel 44 and the reels48. Each pay line 90 is attached to the glass panel 44. To increaseillumination effect and add to the excitement of the game being played,at least one pay line 90 may extend between the glass panel 44 and thereels 48. A circuit board 94 interconnects each pay line 90 and isdisposed between the game computer 92 and each of the pay lines 90. Thecircuit board 94 controls operation of the pay lines 90 to illuminatethe pay lines 90 independent from the symbols 82 and in alternating modein response to the winning outcome of the game. Alternatively, the paylines 90 and the symbols 82 on the reels 48 are illuminated in unison inresponse to the winning outcome of the game.

Alluding to the above, the gaming machine 10 of the present inventionprovides numerous advantages over prior art gaming machines currentlyused in a casino environment. One of the advantages is the unique viewof the gaming cabinet 12 that increases the entertainment and excitementof the playing of the game by adding a large variety of attractions andattention getting devices incorporated in the gaming cabinet 12 foremitting a sudden glow of fluorescence or iridescence to attractattention of the players. In particular the EL 40 extending about theexterior of the gaming cabinet 12 make the gaming cabinet 12 moreattractive and noticeable to the players.

The unique design of the present invention provides illumination acrossthe entire surface of the glass panel 44, which allows to illuminate theglass panel 44 around the different internal components of the gamingmachine such as the aforementioned reels 48 and/or multiple videoscreens (not shown), thereby eliminating shadows. Another advantage ofthe gaming machine 10 relates to an improved design wherein the use ofthe EL 40 improves functionality of the gaming machine 10 by providing arubberized cushion between the glass panel 44 and the chrome bracket 50not shown or used in the prior art.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to a particular embodiment, but that the invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A cabinet for a gaming machine having a player interaction device forallowing a player to make a wager on an outcome of the game, saidcabinet comprising: a housing having a display panel having an outeredge; a bracket connected to said housing and extending peripherallyabout said display panel; and a light emitting device sandwiched betweenand extending along said bracket and said display panel for providingillumination along at least a portion of said outer edge of said displaypanel with said light emitting device providing a fluid resistantenvironment inside said housing.
 2. A cabinet, as set forth in claim 1,wherein said light emitting device is further defined by anelectroluminescent wire having a circular head and a tail portionextending from said circular head and a core member disposed in andextending through said circular head.
 3. A cabinet, as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said light emitting device is further defined by anelectroluminescent tape.
 4. A cabinet, as set forth in claim 1, whereinsaid light emitting device is further defined by an electroluminescentsheet.
 5. A cabinet, as set forth in claim 2, having a power supplyconnected to said core member for passing an electric currenttherethrough for emitting light in response to the electrical current.6. A cabinet, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said bracket is furtherdefined by a frame extending to an edge and defining an inner surfacehaving a L-shaped contour.
 7. A cabinet, as set forth in claim 6,wherein said tail portion is abuttingly disposed in said inner surfacewith said circular head extending beyond said edge of said frame.
 8. Agaming machine comprising; a housing having a display panel disposedtherein with said display panel presenting an outer edge, a bracketconnected to said housing and extending peripherally about said displaypanel, a player interaction device for allowing a player to make a wagerand interact with said gaming machine, a controller operativelycommunicated with said player interaction device for playing a game, anda light emitting device sandwiched between and extending along theperiphery of said bracket and said display panel for providingillumination along at least a portion of said outer edge of said displaypanel and for forming a fluid resistant environment inside said housing.9. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said lightemitting device is further defined by an electroluminescent wire havinga circular head and a tail portion extending from said circular head anda core member disposed in and extending through said circular head. 10.A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 9, having at least one source ofa power supply connected to said core member for passing an electriccurrent therethrough for emitting light in response to the electricalcurrent.
 11. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 10, wherein saidbracket is further defined by a frame extending to an edge and definingan inner surface having a L-shaped contour as viewed in a cross section.12. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said displaypanel is formed from glass.
 13. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim9, wherein said tail portion is abuttingly disposed in said innersurface with said circular head extending beyond said edge of saidframe.
 14. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 13, including aplurality of reels disposed inside said housing and rotatable about anaxis with each of said reels having an inner surface and an outersurface having a reel strip mounted to said outer surface with said reelstrip having a plurality of symbols exposed to a player and at least onelight element disposed behind said reel strip for illuminating saidsymbols.
 15. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 14, including atleast one pay line spaced from and extending along each of said reels.16. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 15, wherein said at leastone pay line is further defined by an electroluminescent member.
 17. Agaming machine, as set forth in claim 15, wherein saidelectroluminescent member is further defined by a wire.
 18. A gamingmachine, as set forth in claim 15, wherein said electroluminescentmember is further defined by a sheet.
 19. A gaming machine, as set forthin claim 15, wherein said electroluminescent member is further definedby a tape.
 20. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 15, including acircuit board connected to said electroluminescent member, said circuitboard being connected to said controller for illuminating saidelectroluminescent member independent from said symbols and alternatingillumination of said electroluminescent member and said symbols inresponse to the winning outcome of the game.
 21. A gaming machine forplaying a game comprising; a housing having a display panel definedtherein, a plurality of reels disposed inside said housing and rotatableabout an axis with each of said reels having an inner surface and anouter surface having a reel strip mounted to said outer surface withsaid reel strip having a plurality of symbols exposed to said displaypanel, at least one lighting device disposed behind said reel strip forilluminating said symbols, a controller connected to said plurality ofreels and said at least one light element for spinning said plurality ofreels and determining an outcome of the game, and at least one pay lineconnected to said controller and spaced from and extending along each ofsaid reels with said at least one pay line being illuminated in responseto a winning outcome of the game.
 22. A gaming machine, as set forth inclaim 21, wherein said at least one pay line being illuminatedindependent from said symbols in an alternating fashion in response tothe winning outcome of the game.
 23. A gaming machine, as set forth inclaim 21, wherein said at least one pay line is further defined by anelectroluminescent member.
 24. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim23, wherein said electroluminescent member is further defined by a wire.25. A gaming machine, as set forth in claim 23, wherein saidelectroluminescent member is further defined by a sheet.
 26. A gamingmachine, as set forth in claim 23, wherein said electroluminescentmember is further defined by a tape.
 27. A gaming machine, as set forthin claim 23, including a circuit board connected to saidelectroluminescent member, said circuit board being connected to saidcontroller for illuminating said electroluminescent member independentfrom said symbols and for alternating illumination of saidelectroluminescent member and said symbols in response to the winningoutcome of the game.
 28. A cabinet for a gaming machine having a playerinteraction device for allowing a player to make a wager on an outcomeof the game, said cabinet comprising: a housing having at least onedisplay panel having opposing sides; an electroluminescent deviceconnected to and extending along at least one of said opposing sides ofsaid display panel for providing illumination along at least a portionof said display panel with said light emitting device providing a fluidresistant environment inside said housing.
 29. A cabinet for a gamingmachine, as set forth in claim 28, including a controller and a circuitboard connected to said electroluminescent device for illuminating saidelectroluminescent device.
 30. A cabinet, as set forth in claim 29,including a bracket connected to said housing and extending peripherallyabout at least one of said display panels.
 31. A cabinet, as set forthin claim 30, wherein said electroluminescent device is further definedby a tape.
 32. A cabinet, as set forth in claim 30, wherein saidelectroluminescent device is further defined by a sheet.
 33. A cabinet,as set forth in claim 30, having a power supply connected to saidelectroluminescent device for passing an electric current therethroughfor emitting light in response to the electrical current.
 34. A cabinet,as set forth in claim 30, wherein said bracket is further defined by aframe extending to an edge and defining an inner surface having aL-shaped contour.
 35. A gaming machine comprising: a housing defined bya back wall and a front wall defining at least one transparent panelhaving an inner side and an outer side and spaced side wallsinterconnecting said front wall and said back wall; a bracket connectedto said front wall and extending peripherally about said transparentpanel with said bracket extending to an edge and presenting an innersurface; a light emitting device sandwiched between and extending alongthe periphery of said bracket and said outer side of said transparentpanel for illuminating said transparent panel externally and forproviding a fluid resistant environment inside said housing; said lightemitting device defined by an electroluminescent wire having a circularhead and a tail portion extending from said circular head and a coremember disposed in and extending through said circular head portion withsaid tail portion being disposed in said inner surface with saidcircular head extending beyond said edge of said frame; a firstelectroluminescent sheet connected to said outer side of saidtransparent panel; a second electroluminescent sheet connected to saidinner side of said transparent panel; a power supply connected to saidcore member for passing an electric current therethrough for emittinglight in response to the electrical current; a plurality of reelsdisposed inside said housing and rotatable about an axis with each ofsaid reels having an inner surface and an outer surface having a reelstrip mounted to said outer surface with said reel strip having aplurality of symbols exposed to a player and at least one light elementdisposed behind said reel strip for illuminating said symbols; acontroller disposed in said housing and adaptable for determining anoutcome of the game; at least one pay line defined by anelectroluminescent member being spaced from and extending along each ofsaid reels with said at least one pay line connected to said controller;and a circuit board connected to said controller for illuminating saidelectroluminescent member in response to a winning outcome of the game.36. A gaming machine as set forth in claim 35 wherein a circuit boardconnected to said controller to illuminate said electroluminescentmember independent from said symbols and to alternate illumination ofsaid electroluminescent member and said symbols in response to a winningoutcome of the game.
 37. A gaming machine comprising: a housing definedby a back wall and a front wall defining at least one transparent panelhaving an inner side and an outer side and spaced side wallsinterconnecting said front wall and said back wall; a bracket connectedto said front wall and extending peripherally about said transparentpanel with said bracket extending to an edge and presenting an innersurface; a light emitting device sandwiched between and extending alongthe periphery of said bracket and said outer side of said transparentpanel for illuminating said transparent panel externally and forproviding a fluid resistant environment inside said housing; said lightemitting device defined by an electroluminescent wire having a circularhead and a tail portion extending from said circular head and a coremember disposed in and extending through said circular head portion withsaid tail portion being disposed in said inner surface with saidcircular head extending beyond said edge of said frame; a firstelectroluminescent sheet connected to said outer side of saidtransparent panel; a second electroluminescent sheet connected to saidinner side of said transparent panel; a power supply connected to saidcore member for passing an electric current therethrough for emittinglight in response to the electrical current; a plurality of reelsdisposed inside said housing and rotatable about an axis with each ofsaid reels having an inner surface and an outer surface having a reelstrip mounted to said outer surface with said reel strip having aplurality of symbols exposed to a player and at least one light elementdisposed behind said reel strip for illuminating said symbols; acontroller disposed in said housing and adaptable for determining anoutcome of the game; at least one pay line defined by anelectroluminescent member being spaced from and extending along each ofsaid reels with said at least one pay line connected to said controller;and a circuit board connected to said controller for illuminating saidelectroluminescent member and for alternating illumination of saidelectroluminescent member and said symbols in response to a winningoutcome of the game.